IRRIGATION BUCKET

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a watering bucket.

[0002] US 2006 / 0096172 A1 shows a watering bucket with a ring-shaped base shape with a lateral indentation for watering small trees or plants, the lateral indentation extending over the entire height of the bucket, with a carrying handle and with several openings in the base of the bucket.

[0003] US 4,087,938 A discloses an irrigation container with a ring-shaped base, a lateral recess, and openings in the bottom for watering small trees or plants. The lateral recess extends the entire height of the container. It features an outwardly and downwardly bent rim, drippers, and feet. A one-piece injection-molded construction is mentioned.

[0004] ES 273983 U shows an irrigation tank with an annular base shape with a lateral recess for watering small trees or plants, the lateral recess extending over the entire height of the tank and having one or more openings for drip irrigation.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing a watering bucket that allows safe watering of plants, in particular of freshly planted plants.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention with a watering bucket having the features of claim 1.

[0007] Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0008] Since the watering bucket according to the invention has a substantially U-shaped base, a recess open at the side creates space for the plant to be watered. This makes it possible to place the watering bucket very close to the plant, especially a newly planted one, and ensure safe watering of the plant and its roots.

[0009] The watering bucket according to the invention allows slow and optionally continuous watering over several days.

[0010] In particular, the watering bucket according to the invention is intended to water plants planted outdoors, such as trees, shrubs, vines and the like.

[0011] Since at least one opening is provided in the base area for the water to irrigate the plant, no special measures are required to ensure safe watering of plants - apart from setting up the watering bucket and filling it with water.

[0012] In one embodiment, the watering bucket according to the invention is equipped with a carrying handle that allows for convenient carrying of the bucket, even when it is already filled with water. In particular, the carrying handle is pivotable, as is common for bucket handles.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the watering bucket has a downwardly tapered (truncated pyramid-shaped) shape so that watering buckets can be stacked inside each other.

[0014] The invention provides that the at least one opening for the outlet of water, which is provided in the bottom of the watering bucket, is assigned a filter as a device for regulating the water outlet, so that the amount of water exiting from the watering bucket for irrigation can be regulated.

[0015] For example, the filter is designed as a filter plug (e.g., a substantially cylindrical body) made of fibers, such as cellulose acetate fibers, or as a porous body (made of plastic or ceramic). The filter, in particular the filter plug, is accommodated in a tubular extension provided in the region of at least one opening in the bottom of the watering bucket.

[0016] Slow watering has the advantage that the soil surface does not become silted, as is usually the case with large, rapid water inputs into the soil. The soil-to-air ratio is maintained at an optimal level, allowing the outflowing water to penetrate the soil well. With this invention, water quantities of, for example, 0.75 liters of water per day are possible.

[0017] In a practical design, feet are provided at the bottom of the watering bucket—for example, at the edge of the base—to ensure the bucket's stability. These feet allow the bucket to be further increased in stability and also leveled horizontally by pressing the feet at least partially into the soil.

[0018] An optional lid (lattice-shaped or continuous) ensures that no dirt gets into the water and clogs the drippers.

[0019] In addition, the feet at the bottom of the watering bucket ensure that any drippers provided on the underside of the base are not damaged.

[0020] The upper edge of the watering bucket, i.e. the upper edge of the side wall of the same, can be bent outwards and downwards, so that on the outside there is a downwardly open, circumferential groove, which not only increases stability, but also allows the watering bucket to be placed on at least one rod or stake driven into the ground, so that it is protected from being blown away by the wind - especially when it contains little water or is empty.

[0021] Loops, rings, or hooks can be provided at the top of the watering bucket to secure it with a stake or peg to prevent it from being blown away by the wind. The stake or peg can be made of wood, fiberglass, or metal (iron).

[0022] It is also conceivable that a rubber ring is provided in the area of ​​the upper edge of the watering bucket, which is hung over a driven-in rod or stake, so that the watering bucket is protected from being blown away by the wind.

[0023] In particular, the invention provides that the watering bucket is manufactured in one piece by injection molding, with high-density polyethylene (PEHD), polypropylene or a copolymer being considered as materials.

[0024] Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 shows an oblique view of a watering bucket from above, Fig. 2 shows an oblique view of the watering bucket from below, Fig. 3 shows a top view of the watering bucket, Fig. 4 shows a front view of the watering bucket, Fig. 5 shows a side view of the watering bucket, Fig. 6 shows two watering buckets placed one inside the other, Fig. 7 shows an example of how a watering bucket is used, Fig. 8 shows a section through a drip device with a filter, Fig. 9 shows a section through another embodiment of a drip device with a filter, and Fig. 10 shows a further embodiment of a drip device with a filter in section.

[0025] A watering bucket 1 comprises a base 2 and a side wall 3 which starts from the base 2 and ends with an upper edge 4.

[0026] The shape of the floor plan of the watering bucket 1 essentially corresponds to a U, so that a recess 5 is created not only in the area of ​​the base 2, but also in the area of ​​the wall 3. This recess 5 allows the watering bucket 1 to be placed very close to a plant to be watered, such as a newly planted tree, shrub, or the like, with the plant then standing in the area of ​​the recess 5.

[0027] As in particular Fig. 3 shows, the watering bucket 1 has an essentially rectangular plan shape with two long sides and two narrow sides.

[0028] The recess 5 is provided on one of the long sides. Fig. 1, 2 , 3 and 6 show that the side surfaces of the recess 5 are flat. Fig. 3 It can be seen that the base of the recess 5 is also flat. Fig. 3 It can be seen that the indentation 5 has a rectangular base area.

[0029] At the lower end of the watering bucket 1, feet 6 are provided, which are arranged at the four outer corners of the base 2 of the watering bucket 1.

[0030] In the area of ​​the upper end of the narrower parts of the wall 3 of the watering bucket 1, a carrying handle 7 is arranged in an articulated manner, so that the watering bucket 1 can be easily transported and placed next to a plant in such a way that the plant is arranged in the area of ​​the indentation 5.

[0031] In order to increase stability, the upper free edge 4 of the wall 3 of the watering bucket 1 is bent outwards and downwards, resulting in a circumferential groove 8 that is open downwards.

[0032] At least one opening 9 for water outlet is provided in the base 2 of the watering bucket 1. Water exiting the watering bucket 1 through the opening 9 provided in the base 2 enters the soil directly or through a dripper, if provided, and thus irrigates the plant located in the area of ​​the recess 5.

[0033] In the embodiment shown, three openings 9 are provided in the base 2 through which water can escape from the watering bucket 1.

[0034] The device for regulating the flow of water, so that water flows out of the watering bucket 1 in a controlled manner, is designed as a filter 12, in particular as a fiber filter. For example, the filter 12 is formed from a plurality of fibers that can be aligned substantially parallel to the direction in which water flows out of the watering bucket 1, i.e., substantially transversely to the bottom 2 of the watering bucket. In particular, fibers made of cellulose acetate are considered as fibers for the filter 12. The filter 12 can be designed as a filter plug, namely a cigarette filter.

[0035] Other filters, such as filters made of open-pore plastic or porous ceramic, are also being considered.

[0036] The filter 12 is accommodated in a tubular extension 11 arranged inside the bottom 2 of the watering bucket 1. The tubular extension 11 is arranged around the at least one opening 9 in the bottom 2 of the watering bucket 1.

[0037] By selecting the size, porosity and / or packing density of the fibers of the filter 12, the speed at which water exits the watering bucket 1 through the at least one opening 9 and irrigates a plant can be adapted to the plant and the environmental conditions (weather, etc.).

[0038] Fig. 8 shows a simple embodiment of a device for regulating the water outlet, equipped with a filter 12 which is accommodated in a projection 11 projecting inwards from the bottom 2 of the watering bucket 1.

[0039] At the Fig. 9In the embodiment of the device for regulating the passage of water through the at least one opening 9 shown, the extension 1 is formed with a wall 13 with a U-shaped cross-section. The open side of the wall 13 points away from the interior of the watering bucket 1, i.e., downwards in the position of use. To ensure a secure and defined fit of the filter 12 in the extension 11, the space 15 accommodating the filter 12 within the extension 11 is delimited at the bottom by an inwardly facing annular flange 14. The annular flange 14 also delimits the opening 9 in the base 2 of the watering bucket 1.

[0040] At the Fig. 10 In the embodiment of the device for regulating the passage of water through the at least one opening 9 shown, the space 15 accommodating the filter is designed to taper from the inside to the outside (from top to bottom in the position of use).

[0041] In all three cases Fig. 8 to 10In the embodiments shown, the at least one opening 9 in the bottom of the watering bucket 1 can be closed with a plug if no water is to escape from the watering bucket 1 - for example, when the water-filled watering bucket 1 is brought to its place of use. The plug inserted into the extension 11 is replaced by the filter 12 when the watering bucket 1 is removed from its place of use and water is to escape.

[0042] An advantage of the extension 11 projecting into the interior of the watering bucket 1 is that any dirt can collect on the bottom 2 of the watering bucket 1 and the filter 12 does not become blocked.

[0043] It is possible to remove filters 12 for regulating the passage of water or plugs closing openings 9 from individual or all openings 9 in the base 2 of the watering bucket 1 if rapid passage of water from the watering bucket 1 is desired.

[0044] Furthermore, it is possible to regulate the outflow of water from the watering bucket 1 by not providing all openings 9 with filters 12 (some openings remain closed by plugs) and / or by inserting filters 12 with different permeability into attachments 11.

[0045] To prevent the watering bucket 1, especially when empty, from being blown away by the wind, the watering bucket 1 can be secured. For securing purposes, rods or pegs made of wood, fiberglass, or even metal can be provided. These are driven into the ground and to which the watering bucket 1 is attached. The attachment can be achieved, for example, by the rod or peg 10 engaging with its upper end in the downwardly open groove 8 on the upper edge 4 of the watering bucket 1 (particularly in the area of ​​the long side of the wall opposite the indentation 5). Alternatively, a ring or a hook (or two rings or two hooks) can be provided on the upper edge 4 of the watering bucket 1, into which the rod or peg 10 engages.Alternatively, a rubber ring can be provided on the watering bucket 1, which serves as an anchor rubber and via which the watering bucket 1 can be attached to a stake or the like.

[0046] The oblique views of the Fig. 1 and 2 show that the shape of the watering bucket 1 is essentially a truncated pyramid, so that the watering bucket 1 tapers from its upper open end downwards to the bottom 2, which allows - as in Fig. 6 shown - watering buckets 1 can be placed inside each other in order to supply and / or transport them in a space-saving manner.

[0047] The watering bucket 1 according to the invention has the advantage that the plant's root growth is promoted by the slow watering over several days. Due to the bucket's "long" standing time, the area where the water from the dripper reaches the soil is shaded, and the water does not immediately evaporate from the surface. This allows the water to optimally penetrate the soil, and all the water reaches the roots directly.

[0048] A further advantage of the recess 5 on the long side of the watering bucket 1 is that previously attached plant protection nets or plant protection covers 11 do not have to be removed, as they have space therein.

[0049] The watering bucket 1 can also be secured to the pole or stake 10, which supports the plant protection net or plant protection cover 11, to protect the watering bucket 1 from being blown away by the wind. This is Fig. 7shown as an example.

[0050] In summary, an embodiment of the invention can be described as follows: A watering bucket 1 has a substantially U-shaped layout with an outwardly open recess 5. The watering bucket 1 can be placed close to the plant to be watered, so that the plant is positioned in the area of ​​the recess. At least one opening 9 for the passage of water is provided in the base 2 of the watering bucket 1, to which a device for selecting the flow rate is assigned.

Claims

1. Watering bucket (1) for watering plants, having a lateral indentation (5) which is formed continuously from the base (2) of the watering bucket (1) to the free edge (4) of the wall (3) of the watering bucket (1), wherein at least one opening (9) for the passage of water is provided in the base (2) of the watering bucket (1), characterized in that the watering bucket (1) has a substantially rectangular ground plan shape with two longitudinal sides and two narrow sides, in that the indentation (5) is provided on one of the longitudinal sides of the watering bucket (1), in that the side surfaces of the indentation (5) parallel to the narrow sides of the watering bucket (1) are flat, in that the base surface of the indentation (5) parallel to the longitudinal sides of the watering bucket (1) is flat, in that a filter (12) is associated with the opening (9) as a device for regulating the passage of water, and in that the filter (12) is accommodated in a tubular extension (11), which is arranged in the region of the at least one opening (9) in the base (2) of the watering bucket (1).

2. Watering bucket according to claim 1, characterized in that the indentation (5) has a rectangular ground plan shape and in that the longitudinal sides form the side surfaces and the narrow side forms the base surface of the indentation (5).

3. Watering bucket according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the watering bucket (1) tapers from its upper, free edge (4) towards the base (2) and essentially has the shape of a truncated pyramid.

4. Watering bucket according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the upper edge (4) of the wall (3) of the watering bucket (1) is bent outwards and downwards, forming a downwardly open channel (8).

5. Watering bucket according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a supporting bracket (7) is arranged on the bucket, in particular in an articulated manner.

6. Watering bucket according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the filter (12) is a filter made of fibers or a filter made of porous material, such as plastic or ceramic.

7. Watering bucket according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the extension (11) projects from the base (2) of the watering bucket (1) towards the interior of the watering bucket (1).

8. Watering bucket according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the wall (13) of the extension (11) has a U-shaped cross-section.

9. Watering bucket according to claim 8, characterized in that the space (15) in the extension (11) accommodating the filter (12) has, at its end facing away from the interior of the watering bucket (1), an inwardly facing annular flange (14) which delimits the opening (9).

10. Watering bucket according to claim 8, characterized in that the space (15) accommodating the filter (12) is designed to be conically tapering.